24 falafel
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried chickpeas
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, stems removed
- 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, stems removed
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, stems removed
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Oil for frying
Directions
1. Soak the chickpeas
Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl filled with water to cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight for 18 hours (longer if the chickpeas are still too hard). When ready, drain the chickpeas completely and pat them dry.
2. Make the mix
Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic and spices to the large bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Run the food processor 40 seconds at a time until all is well combined forming a the falafel mixture. Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or (up to one whole night) until ready to cook.
3. Fry
Just before frying, add the baking powder to the falafel mixture and stir with a spoon.
Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and form into patties (1/2 inch in thickness each). It helps to have wet hands as you form the patties.
Fill a medium saucepan 3 inches up with oil. Heat the oil on medium-high until it bubbles softly. Carefully drop the falafel patties in the oil, let them fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or so until crispy and medium brown on the outside. Avoid crowding the falafel in the saucepan, fry them in batches if necessary.
Place the fried falafel patties in a colander or plate lined with paper towels to drain.